“I am a blogger”, I’ve enjoyed saying to family and friends this weekend. I got the best response from a young friend who said that I was a ‘natural blogger’. To a new blogger this felt a huge compliment but Steve pointed out that it might be an insult.
I could have predicted that our friend Clive would not be impressed. He is a naturalist, a historian, a storyteller, a polymath – in fact a Renaissance man. But the one thing he isn’t is a 21st century man. In fact he is stockpiling typewriter ribbons in case they become unavailable – one of his biggest nightmares. He is a great diaryist and at the moment is writing a natural history diary. He told us about a swan’s nest he had found and described the large, white, smooth eggs. “That would make a lovely blog entry,” I told him. “You could write about the eggs and then the hatching and take photographs with a digital camera to post on your blog.” This would involve two pieces of equipment that Clive doesn’t use (or probably even know about) so I don’t think he’ll take up my idea. He prefers to emulate Gilbert White or Kilvert, not a blogger.
Clive Fairweather
At present Clive is reading (maybe rereading) Ben and James Long’s book, 'The Plot Against Pepys'. He loves the historical detail and was full of wonder at the way the authors have discovered even what the weather was like on various days in the 17th century. I couldn’t resist saying that Pepys would have made a good blogger. Eventually Steve and Clive got so tired of hearing the B word they said they would make a swear box and every time I used it I’d have to give money to charity. Though really Steve is enjoying this blog. Not because of what it says but because he is the exact opposite of Clive and is fascinated by the possibilities of new technology. The design of the blog is Steve’s work. Without him it would be all content and no style.
James & Ben Long
After our pub supper we rushed home as I wanted to watch Gore Vidal on the South Bank Show. Clive, who, of course, doesn’t have a television, returned to his Pepys.
At least I can say what I like about Clive in this blog. He’s unlikely to read it.
The Natural Break:
Sunday 20 July, 12 noon, Great Hall, Dartington Hall
Clive Fairweather will be taking people on a journey into the 14th century through storytelling and history. He will be joined by Stephen Tyler and Katy Marchant playing a hurdy gurdy and bagpipes.
Very Great Hall, very 1390.
Friday 11 July, 4pm, Great Hall, Dartington Hall
James and Ben Long will talk about 'The Plot Against Pepys' to Penelope Lively.
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